Brett Smith Re-signs in Bossier-Shreveport
Published on July 14, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs today announced the re-signing of 5th year pro and fan favorite Brett Smith for the 2008-09 Central Hockey League season. The 26-year-old center returns to the Bugs for his fourth season with the team.
"I'm excited to be back in a Mudbugs uniform," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to joining guys from last year with some new faces to get rid of the disappointment from the end of last season. Bossier-Shreveport has really become a second home to me and I can't wait to see what the Mudbugs of 08-09 can bring to the table for the best fans in the CHL."
Smith is coming off a season in which he was a vital component in all facets of the game for the Mudbugs, playing extensively at even strength and on both the powerplay and penalty kill. The 5-8, 175-lb. Guelph, Ontario native was Bossier-Shreveport's third-leading scorer in 2007-08 with 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points. He finished the season with a +22 rating, 67 penalty minutes, a team-leading four shorthanded goals and five game-winners. Smith also turned in one of the best single-game performances in Mudbugs history last season as the Bugs hosted Odessa on February 15, 2008. His four goals and six points that night both tied franchise records as Bossier-Shreveport rolled to a dominating 9-0 win.
"'Smitty' is kind of a cornerstone," said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "One of our themes for next year is making sure we know who we are, and if we want to continue being the hardest working team in the Central Hockey League, Brett Smith is a big piece to that puzzle. This is obviously a big signing for us."
Smith played the first two years of his professional career in Bossier-Shreveport before heading to the ECHL for 2006-07. After a 44-point rookie season with the Bugs, he set career highs in 05-06 with 30 goals and 63 points in 64 games. He also broke the franchise record with five shorthanded goals that season on his way to being named Best Penalty Killer in the CHL's annual "Best of the Best" poll. In the 2006 CHL playoffs, Smith led the team with eight goals and averaged a point-per-game as the Mudbugs advanced to the league finals.
Season and group tickets for the 2008-09 season of Mudbugs hockey are on sale now! The CHL schedule for next season will be announced in the next few weeks, and Bossier-Shreveport is expected to have at least 24 of its 32 home games played on weekend dates. Call the Mudbugs at 318-752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside the CenturyTel Center for more information or to purchase tickets.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 14, 2008
- Brett Smith Re-signs in Bossier-Shreveport - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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